It’s time for the monthly What’s On your Bookshelf? link up . I’m looking forward to you sharing what you’ve read at our monthly link up co-hosted with my friends Deb from Deb’s World, Donna from Retirement Reflections and Jo from And Anyways. Remember to check out what has been on their bookshelves as well.
My reviews cover books read and listened to over the last month. I have much to share so you might need to make a cuppa and take time to enjoy reading through my post.
What’s On Your Bookshelf? – November 2024
Libraries are more than just books
Do you visit your local public library? If you have, you will know that the modern library has evolved way beyond just books on a bookshelves waiting to be taken home and enjoyed (or in some case, not). A quick look on our Brisbane City Council library website shows that libraries have become vital community hubs that foster well-being, education, and social connection. A recent article from Blue Zones also suggests that Gen Z and millennials utilizing libraries more than older generations, which I found suprising. These spaces offer a range of services, from book clubs, author talks, yoga classes to nutrition programs, activities for babies, toddlers and children and even gardening projects, helping communities thrive. Discover how these dynamic institutions are transforming communities and supporting the Blue Zones way of life. Beyond the Bookshelves, Libraries are Hubs for Community Well-being and Connection – Blue Zones. Have you attended any offerings from your local library?
My favourite book for November
I am thoroughly enjoying this audio book which I downloaded last week. If I didn’t love Judi Dench enough before this, I’ve fallen in love with her even more.
In intimate conversations with actor & director Brendan O’Hea, Judi Dench takes us through each of the female roles in all of the Shakespeare plays. She adores Shakespeare and her passion and enthusiasm for his writing is infectious.
Like most of us, I studied Shakespeare at school. Namely, Hamlet, MacBeth and The Merchant of Venice. However, I never appreciated them.
Judi’s explanation of the roles is fascinating and it has made me want to put Shakespeare on my list for 2025.
I feel like I’m in an English literature class and her knowledge and experience of Shakespeare and his plays is phenominal.
Judi combines her love of Shakespeare and the theatre with wonderful, witty and amusing anecdotes. She has such a wicked sense of humour which I adore.
Even if you don’t like Shakespeare you will enjoy listening or reading this book. It is a book I will continue to revisit often.
Other reads & audiobooks this month which I highly recommend
Tell Me Why? – Georgie Harvey & John Franklin – Book 1 – Sandi Wallace – 4 stars
This contemporary mystery/crime read by Australian author, Sandi Wallace, is Book 1 in the Georgie Harvey & John Franklin series. set in the picturesque area of Daylesford in Victoria, Australia and was the winner of the 2015 Davit award, Readers’ Choice. Georgie Harvey is a Melbourne journalist, looking for a possible missing person. The woman’s husband went missing after fire destroyed their property years before and Georgie is convinced there is a connection. John Franklin is a senior constable in Daylesford trying to solve who is stalking single mums.
A little slow to start and with two mysteries running in tangent it took me a little to get into the storyline and how these two characters would connect. After a couple of chapters the book picked up pace and the storyline held my attention.
If you enjoy a crime or mystery genre then I highly recommend Tell Me Why? I’ve actually downloaded Book 2.
Wild Irish Witch – A Mystic Cove Novel #6 – Tricia O’Malley – 4 stars
After finishing the epic Anna Karenina, I was in need of a lighter theme and revisited the Mystic Cove series by Tricia O’Malley. I’ve read the first five books and Wild Irish Witch is the 6th book. It tells the story of Fiona O’Brien who has led a magickal life as a healer. Not everyone looks kindly on her powers, especially the local Catholic priest who accuses her of being a witch.
Although this is the 6th book, it is actually set back before Book 1 as we learn the story of Fiona who has featured in all 5 books. I’ve enjoyed all of the Mystic Cove series and highly recommend this book and/or the series to you. The books can be read as stand alone stories.
We Solve Murders #1 – Richard Osman- 4 stars (audio)
I listened to We Solve Murders written by Richard Osman of The Thursday Murder Club fame (currently being filmed for a television series which I’m looking forward to). The book is narrated by one of my favourite actors – Nicola Walker. This is the first book in the We Solve Murders series and I highly recommend it. I found myself giggling at the witty prose and of course enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Steve Wheeler, widower and retired from the force who still talks to his wife daily. He does the odd job of investigation, loves order and a quiet life and the weekly trivia night at the pub. Amy Wheeler, Steve’s daughter-in-law is a private security officer and enjoys a lifestyle completely opposite to Steve. She doesn’t need anyone to protect her. Or does she?
A dead body, a bag of money and someone trying to kill her, Amy calls on the one person she can trust.
I’m looking forward to reading more of We Solve Murders.
Geneva – Richard Armitage – 4 stars (audio)
This audio book was recommended to me by my daughter. Narrated by the author (and actor) Richard Armitage and Nicola Walker, I knew this would be a book I would enjoy listening to.
A thriller, we are taken into the world of neuroscience, medical technology and murder. Sarah Collier is a renowned Scientist and Nobel Prize winner who shuns the limelight. Sarah starts to experience symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s (a condition her father is currently in care for) and is relying more on her husband fellow neuroscientist Daniel.
Sarah, urged by Daniel, reluctantly accepts an invitation as guest of honour at a Biotech Conference promoting new technology which may in fact, help her fight Alzheimers. However, there is more at stake than just her declining health. Sarah discovers something more sinister and unbelievable.
A little slow to start but once into the story I couldn’t stop listening. I had only known Richard Armitage as a well credentialled British actor but will definitely be looking for more of his books.
It’s that time of year! – Christmas Book Reading time
November hits, the Festive Season decorations are out and it’s time to settle in with some Christmas themed books to get you into the festive mood. Here is a selection that I’ve started and will be enjoying at our beach holiday, last week of November.
My favourite this year is the newly released Christmas at Fountains Hall by my good friend, Jo Tracey. It is available now – Christmas at Fountains Hall (Brookford) eBook : Tracey, Joanne: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
AVAILABLE NOW!
My friend and author, Joanne Tracey gave me the honour of sending me her soon-an Advanced Reader Copy. I have enjoyed all of Jo’s books and her latest is one I highly recommend you order a copy when you can. It is due out later this year.
It’s that time of year when I look to get into the Festive Spirit with some Christmas reads. I was fortunate enough to be given and ARC of Christmas at Fountains Hall by my friend and author, Joanne Tracey. Christmas at Fountains Hall is a follow on from Escape to Curlew Cottage and all the favourite characters are back. Set in the pretty Cotswolds village of Brookford., the Cotsworlds Culinary and Cookbook Society have been asked to join in a Christmas-themed television special.
This is a delightful read, with characters I’ve come to love and regard as friends. Jo, capitivates the readers again with her writing and character development and the Christmas theme just tops it off for me.
You won’t be disappointed in this latest offering from Joanne Tracey.
Due for publication 25th November with preorders for digital copies available now! Christmas at Fountains Hall (Brookford) eBook : Tracey, Joanne: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
The Brookford Kitchen Diaries Cookbook Club – a new link up for lovers of Cookbooks
My friend, Jo Tracey has started the Brookford Kitchen Diaries Cookbook Club where each month participants select and cook a recipe from a different cookbook then share our results in the kitchen in her new link up. I love the idea and hope to get my act together for December’s theme which is Nigella’s Christmas.
You can read how it works here, BKD Cookbook Club – Brookford Kitchen Diaries. There is also a private Facebook Group you can join. If you love cookbooks to read and also to try new recipes then this group is for you.
Here is Jo’s first post where she takes us to Spain with two delicious recipes from the ‘Basque’ by Jose Pizarro Cookbook – Pork Chops a la Plancha with White Bean Puree and Piperrada, followed by Cream Cheese Ice Cream served with mixed berries.
Stunners Classic Book Club
Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy – 4 stars
It was my turn to select the book for our Stunners Classic Book Club read. My fellow readers wanted something ‘juicy’ – no pressure. I’ve chosen Anna Karenina by Tolstoy and we had a wonderful and enriching discussion about this classic.
Have your read Tolstoy?
When I hear Tolstoy, I think of heavy, long books that are more suited to the ‘intellectual’ reader. I was very surprised when I read the first paragraph of Anna Karenina and was completely hooked. Set in Tzarist Russia, Tolstoy’s writing was unexpectedly ‘easy’ to read, but so descriptive and emotive. I had seen the movie with Kiera Knightly but never read the book so another surprise was that even though the title is Anna Karenina there is so much more to this book. It’s about love & relationships comparing three different marriages, including Anna’s. Societal expectations and hierarchy and social change.
I enjoyed Tolstoy’s writing so much I have downloaded War and Peace to read and study during 2025.
Our current Book Club selection is at the other end of the spectrum in the science fiction, dystopian genre. This isn’t a genre I usually read but that’s what I love about Book Clubs, they take you out of your comfort zone and in most cases you are pleasantly surprised. I’m still reading this so will review in my December #WOYBS? post.
Well, these are the books that have been on my bookshelf during the month, What’s been on yours? I would love you to share with me your recommendations.
Dates for the Diary
The What’s On Your Bookshelf? Link Up dates for 2024 are listed below. Make a note in your diary as a reminder as we would love to have you join us.
The link for What’s On Your Bookshelf (WOYBS) is open on the third Friday of each month at 8 am (AEST) – that makes it sometime on the third Thursday of each month if you’re in the northern hemisphere…
• November 21/22
• December 19/20.
Happy reading and remember to pop over to read what books have been on my co-hosts shelves.
The next #WOYBS will be Thursday December 19/Friday December 20. I’m looking forward to seeing and reading What’s Been on your Bookshelf? during the month.
37 Comments
Hi, Sue – Judi Dench’s deep dive into Shakespeare sounds completly captivating—I’ll be adding that to my list. Your research on libraries now having more millenial users than seniors was very intriguing. I’m delighted to see libraries well-used by coming generations. I too loved Fountains Hall and Anna Karenina. I just finished Brave New World and look forward to that discussion. Thank you for the inspirations and for introducing me to new reads—I always leave your posts with a longer TBR pile. <3
I just adore the Judi Dench audio book and I’m certainly saving this one. I’m looking at doing my own study of Shakespeare next year and then listen to the audio book again. I loved Anna and our conversation. I’m ploughing through Brave New World and I think we will have a very interesting discussion. Take care, my friend. xx
I never would have guessed that Judi Dench had a book about Shakespeare! It sounds fascinating. I am also looking forward to reading We Solve Murders. I loved the Thursday Murder Club series (which I think – hope – he’s planning on returning to). Good to read that you enjoyed it. And I am excited to read Jo’s newest… just in time for Christmas!
I left a link to my post about an amazing bookstore I visited recently.
Oh Shakespeare, The Man who Paid the Rent is marvellous, Janice. Judi Dench has such a depth of knowledge of Shakespeare and I’m inpsired to revisit the plays I read during High School. The Thursday Murder Club is being made into a television series which should be fun. x
I was recently loaned a copy of “Shakespeare- the man who pays the rent’. Paperback version of the ‘conversations’ and am looking forward to a quiet afternoons read. I think I’ll enjoy it more than an audio version….where I forget half of what I’ve just heard😊
I’m enjoying the audio version, Cathy because it is interview style. I would like to get the paperback though for future reference. x
Richard Osman is on my pile for holiday reading.
He is so funny and easy to read. Enjoy! x
These books all look like books that I’d enjoy Sue. The Richard Osman book is on my list of hints for Christmas gifts (for me) Of course, I’m very much looking forward to Christmas at Fountain Hall, and have it ordered. I’m really surprised to hear that the younger generations are using the library more than us oldies. I love my trips to the library. I often go there for no reason, just a browse. We have some great author talks here also, but I must admit that I haven’t been for a while. Must put that on my list for 2025
Oh I hope Santa reads your wish list, Jen. I don’t visit the library often at all, however, each Saturday, my daughter makes sure she visits the library with Ethan and Elliot. They select some books and then sit in the park and read. It is a lovely tradition for them to encourage the boys to continue to read. x
What a full post this month – and thanks for the double shout-out! Geneva, Judi, and We Solve Murders are now on my TBR, but they won’t get read until after the Festival of Festive Reading.
Oh I’m so in love with Judi and Shakespeare, I know you will be too. I’m finding listening to the audio is a great way to spend time with Judi. Yes your Festival of Festive Reading has well and truly started. I’ve read the Mystic Cove Christmas one which now combines Faeris with Humans. It was a different read, that’s for sure. x
Our library even has things like 3-D printers, a Cricut, and a button maker for the public to use! My boys grew up going to the library a few times a week and it’s so funny to see the librarian’s reactions when they come with me now and they’re all so grown. It really causes quite the stir.
My daughter takes my grandsons each Saturday to the library to select books. Then they sit in the park and read. The libraries have certainly increased what they offer and it is great to see. x
I have both the Judi Dench book and We Solve Murders on hold. I’m betting both will come through at the same time! I’m reading Funny Story by Emily Henry and like it well enough.
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Hi Marsha, I prefer the audio book for Judi & Shakespeare but I’m thinking of buying the book so I can mark it up with interesting points. I’ve read Emily Henry books but not sure if I’ve read Funny Story. I will check it out. x
Anna Karenina is one of my favourite books. You are so right, it is more than about an unfaithful wife. It is about families. I read War and Peace two years ago by reading a chapter a day. I was glad I did. It is an amazing story. I must get the Judy Dench book, thanks for the recommendation, Sue.
Hi Darlene, yes Anna Karenina was a surprise and I really enjoyed the book. One I might revisit in the future as there is so much going on in the story. I have downloaded Ware and Peace and think your idea of a chapter a day is a good one to follow. I’m sure you will enjoy the Judi Dench book. x
I forgot to leave a comment as I was busy down about 5 rabbit holes from your post! So I had to come back today and do it! I loved Shakespeare in school so think this might be an interesting read and that time period has always fascinated me. As to Tolstoy I am not sure I’ve got that deep and long of a read in me. Perhaps one of these years when I slow down and little and the lists are less lengthy with things I consider fun. Time will tell. I will definitely add it to my “thinking about it pile”
My post is all about Jo’s two books (Curfew Cottage and the soon to be released one that I pre bought). I just need to sort this stuff out.. wish me luck. . Oh as usual thanks for hosting. I love the link up and all the great ideas for books to read. Bernie
Oh what fun up and down rabbit holes, Bernie! Tolstoy was much easier for me to read but I admit it was a very, long read! I have downloaded War & Peace for next year’s challenge. I love Jo’s books and know you will enjoy your latest offering. x
If only I could get into it to read it!!!
Osman’s new series sounds great!
Hi Carol, I’m looking forward to the Thursday Murder Club television series. x
Hi Sue, Thank you for your weekend coffee share. I read and enjoyed Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Anna Karenina a long time ago. I’ve read Osman’s Thursday Murder Club Mystery series. I’ll add Judi Dench’s book and Osman’s book to my TBR list. Happy holiday reading!
I’m sure you would enjoy Judi Dench’s conversations about Shakepeare’s plays. I’m looking forward to the Thursday Murder Club television series. x
Hi Sue, these all sound good books and I’ve added a few to my reading list – thanks again for your suggestions. I’m still going with Anna and am enjoying the far reaching saga greatly. We listened to Geneva on a road trip and really got into it after a slow start as you say. Some great recommendations and Jo’s recent books have been fabulous. You are such a great co-host and I always find something to read from your reviews. Thank you x
Hi Deb, we do have similar tastes in books don’t we? I agree Geneva was slow to start but picked up and always enjoy listening to Nicola Walker. Good for you persisting with Anna. It is a book you really need to focus on but I enjoyed it much more than I expected to. xx
I am also a fan of Judi Dench, and maybe seeing Shakespeare through her eyes would give me a greater appreciation for his work. It’s not that I don’t recognize his genius, but for me, reading his plays is arduous. And no, I have not read Tolstoy. Maybe I should! I will definitely be adding We Solve Murders to the TBR pile.
Hi Olivia, I’m sure you will love Judi’s knowledge and discussion of the Shakespearean plays and it helped me understand them so much better. Her anecdotes are fun and interesting as well. We Solve Murders was a fun book to listen to and I’ve read all of the Thursday Murder Club books as well. Have a lovely week. xx
What a great find. I’ll track down the Judi Dench on Shakespeare. Sounds brilliant. I did Portia for my NIDA auditions 2 years running. Evidently not that well…ha!
One of my bookclubs did Brave New World (and 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 – I fell in love with Bradbury. Def do that if you haven’t read it). I liked Brave New World but not as much as 451.
I am in a book club with the library. I like it because they pick books I would never choose to read in a million years. And some have been brilliant.
I’m sure you will love the Judi Dench book about Shakespeare and her life in the theatre, Lydia. I would be interested to hear your thoughts if you do read it. I’ve read 1984 a couple of times but not Fahrenheit 451. Brave New World was better than I expected once the story unfolded. It is good to explore different genres that we don’t normally read, isn’t it? Have a lovely week, Lydia xx
I’m getting that Judi Dench book and sharing it.
Hello Susan, I’m sure you will love Shakespeare, The Man who paid the rent. I’m savouring each chapter. x
I have the Judi Dench book and the Osman book on my wish list! Looking forward to reading them in 2025.
I’m sure you will enjoy them all, Lisa. Happy Thanksgiving. x
I am very late commenting. Yikes. Your books sound like good picks. I’m reading Jo’s book too. I’m almost done. Going to check out the BKD cookbook page too. I joined the FB group.
I’ve joined the BKD FB group so will see you there! x